NSC Pays Super Eagles Coach Salary in Advance as Nigeria Fights for 2026 World Cup Spot

• NSC funds Super Eagles coach to boost World Cup hopes.

• Presidential support secures coach’s salary till October.

• Strategic move aims to revive Nigeria’s qualification journey.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has taken decisive action to stabilize Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign by ensuring the upfront payment of Super Eagles coach salary.

Chairman Shehu Dikko revealed that the commission, through a Presidential Support Group, has covered coach Eric Chelle’s wages until October.

This marks a major step in restoring momentum to the Super Eagles’ qualification efforts.

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Presidential Support Group: A Game-Changer for Nigeria’s World Cup Dreams

Dikko explained in a radio interview with former Nigerian international Segun Odegbami that the NSC’s intervention was crucial.

“When we assumed office, Nigeria had played four qualifying matches and only earned three points from a possible twelve. It was a complicated situation,” he said.

To tackle the problem, the commission proposed the creation of a Presidential Support Group, a public-private partnership formally captured in the national budget for the first time.

This support group became instrumental in easing the financial pressure on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and ensuring seamless technical preparations.

Super Eagles Coach Salary Covered Until October

One of the group’s earliest moves was to ensure that Eric Chelle’s salary would be paid upfront, allowing him to focus entirely on managing the Super Eagles.

Dikko emphasized, “We worked with the Nigeria Football Federation to appoint the coach, and although the NFF signed his contract, we, through the support group, decided to cover his salary until October.”

The commission stressed that while it is not directly handling the coach’s contract, the support group’s funding guarantees stability in technical direction — a key ingredient in Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Also Read: 🇳🇬 NFF Denies Reports of Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle’s Exit

Financial and Logistical Support Driving Team Morale

Beyond just the Super Eagles coach salary, the NSC has provided additional support such as organizing charter flights for fans during the Rwanda qualifier.

Dikko noted that this move had a morale-boosting effect on the team.

The commission also agreed with players on a restructured bonus scheme, which ensured they received payments instantly post-match — a gesture Dikko said showed “respect and commitment.”

Looking Ahead – Strategic Preparations for Upcoming Matches

Looking forward, the commission is planning three international friendlies between May and June to give Eric Chelle more time to assess the squad.

Additionally, they are bringing in pitch specialists to upgrade domestic playing surfaces, ensuring the Super Eagles have world-class facilities for training and competitive matches.

Dikko reaffirmed that while the NFF is in charge of the national team’s technical management, the commission remains committed to providing full support.

“We’re not part of the contract. But we’re committed to ensuring the coach has all the support he needs. After all, this is about Nigeria,” he said.

Conclusion: A Unified Effort to Return Nigeria to Global Football Glory

With the Super Eagles coach salary secured and critical resources deployed, the NSC is demonstrating strategic foresight and proactive governance.

As Nigeria works to reclaim its position among football’s elite, the collaboration between the NSC, NFF, and the newly established support group may prove to be the catalyst the team desperately needed.